Virginia V Sails Once Again Into Kitsap Waters

Crew member Henry Hammer, center, helps the sleek historic steamship the Virginia V dock at the Port Orchard Marina on Friday. The last "Mosquito Fleet" steamer is open to tour and ride as part of Harborfest. (LARRY STEAGALL | KITSAP SUN)

PORT ORCHARD -

The arrival off the S.S. Virginia V to Sinclair Inlet on Friday marked the boat's long-awaited return to Kitsap waters.

As the last remaining wooden hull, steam-powered ship of the famous Mosquito Fleet, the visit marked a homecoming of sorts for the 87-year-old boat.

The Virginia V is just one of the ships visiting this weekend for the first-ever Kitsap Harbor Festival, sponsored by the Port of Bremerton.

With a focus on familiarizing the community with the port's two marinas — in Bremerton and Port Orchard — having the historic ship in port for the three-day weekend was a must.

"She's sort of an icon around the Puget Sound," said Steve Slaton, with the Port of Bremerton. "We wanted some of the icons of the waterfront to be there."

Kim DuBois, general manager of the nonprofit Steamer Virginia V Foundation that owns the Virginia V, said the trip to Kitsap was a long time coming.

"Everybody affiliated with the ship is excited we're going to be in the Kitsap Peninsula," she said. "Especially because of our history with the area."

Built in 1922 on a beach north of Olalla, the Virginia V is powered by a steam engine that is actually older than the boat, DuBois said. The engine, built in 1898 in Pioneer Square, was first used in the Virginia IV, before being placed in the Virginia V — a newer boat.

The engine still powers the boat today, and is true to its original triple-expansion reciprocating steam engine configuration.

The Virginia V was built to carry freight and passengers between Tacoma, Kitsap, Vashon Island and Seattle. Regular passengers were farmers heading to Seattle's Pike Place Market.

As other boats of the Mosquito Fleet were scrapped, the Virginia V, also known as the "Five," continued to serve as a passenger and cargo ferry. By the 1950s she became a regular excursion and charter vessel and has remained in almost continuous operation since.

Now moored at the south end of Lake Union in Seattle, near the Wooden Boat Center, the Virginia V is used as an educational tool for students and is chartered for various events.

The boat was designated by the cities of Seattle and Tacoma as a City Landmark in the 1970s, and in 1992 she was listed as a National Historic Landmark Vessel.

Calling the boat "a real treasure," DuBois said anyone who hasn't seen her since a recent $6.5 million restoration should make a point to come see the boat this weekend.

"For people who haven't seen the ship since the last time she was in Kitsap, it's a great time to come and visit," she said. "She's pretty true to her original self."

Schedule of Events

The Virginia V will be open for tours at the Port Orchard and Bremerton Marinas.

Saturday:

10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Dockside tours (PO)

3:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Public cruise, $15/person, $9/12 and under (PO)

5 p.m.: Depart for Bremerton

7 to 11 p.m.: Boat of Blues, $10/person, cash bar (B)

Sunday

10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Dockside tours (B)

12:30 p.m.: Dockside tours (PO)

2 p.m.: Public cruise, $15/person, $9/12 and under (PO)

4 to 6 p.m.: Jazz Afternoon, $5/person, cash bar (PO)

ALSO IN PORT ORCHARD

The Taste of Port Orchard will take place Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. in Port Orchard Marina Park. A beer garden hosted by Port Orchard Rotary will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. The Michael Anthony Pratt Band will play from 4 to 6 p.m.

The Taste will showcase Port Orchard eateries and caterers, featuring small bites for $1 to $4.

Extended Foot Ferry Service

Foot ferry service between Port Orchard and Bremerton will be extended in the evenings this weekend for the events going on in both cities.